With a number of accidents coming to the highest of the 2023 NHL Draft class this season, it seems that Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets will be the just one unable to return this 12 months. In an replace from Craig Merz of the NHL, Fantilli’s restoration has been a lot slower than anticipated, a actuality that might postpone his subsequent matchup till subsequent 12 months.
Fantilli went down with a calf laceration on Jan. 28, with the unique outlook placing him out for about eight weeks. That may have put Fantilli’s return earlier this week on March 25, a milestone he was unable to hit.
In a quote relating to Fantill’s restoration course of, head coach of the Blue Jackets, Pascal Vincent, stated, “He’s nonetheless engaged on the restoration. I used to be actually hoping to see him again earlier than the top of the season. We don’t know but. I nonetheless hope, however it’s slower than anticipated.“
If Fantilli is unable to return for Columbus this season, he’ll end the 12 months with 12 objectives and 27 factors in 49 video games for the Blue Jackets. With many draft pundits placing Fantilli because the second-best prospect popping out of the 2023 NHL Draft, Fantilli didn’t present as a lot offensive prowess as anticipated all through his first season within the NHL.
However, there shouldn’t be any pessimism surrounding Fantilli’s future well being, or his future expertise degree on the ice. At solely 19 years outdated, the previous Hobey Baker Award winner nonetheless has loads of time to develop into an elite participant for the Blue Jackets.
